Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese known for its rich, nutty flavor and versatility in cooking. Parmesan cheese has a long shelf life when stored properly, but if not handled carefully, it might go bad.
This cheese does not spoil easily due to its low moisture content and high salt content. However, it can still deteriorate over time, affecting its taste and texture. Moisture and air exposure are Parmesan cheese’s greatest adversaries. When these elements come into contact with the cheese, it can develop mold or become rancid.
Keep Parmesan cheese in an airtight container or wrap it securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep moisture and air from getting to it. This will help the cheese stay longer. To keep it fresh, store it in the refrigerator.
Parmesan cheese that is kept in the right conditions can last for several months or even longer, letting you enjoy its exquisite flavor in a variety of meals. To prevent any potential health dangers, it is preferable to throw away the cheese if you see any mold or an unpleasant odor.
How to Proper Store Parmesan Cheese?
To properly store Parmesan cheese, ensure it stays fresh and flavorful for an extended period. To start, carefully wrap the cheese in wax paper or plastic wrap to keep moisture and air from getting to it.
After that, close an airtight container or plastic bag with the cheese inside by pressing as much air out as you can before doing so. The container or bag should be kept in the cheese or dairy drawer of the refrigerator.
This cool, dry environment will help preserve the cheese’s texture and taste. Always remember to replace the wrapping if it becomes damaged or compromised to maintain the cheese’s quality.
How Long Does Fresh Parmesan Cheese Last in the Fridge?
Fresh Parmesan cheese typically lasts in the fridge for about 2 to 4 months when stored correctly. The cheese must be carefully wrapped in wax paper or plastic wrap, put in an airtight container, or sealed in a plastic bag before being refrigerated.
This cool and dry environment helps maintain the cheese’s flavor and texture. However, it’s essential to check for any signs of mold or off-putting odors and discard the cheese if it appears spoiled.
Can You Freeze Parmesan Cheese?
Yes, You can Freeze Parmesan cheese. but doing so can change the way it feels. Grate or slice the cheese and cover it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before putting it in a freezer bag or airtight container to freeze. Parmesan cheese can keep up to 6 months when stored correctly in the freezer .
Before usage, thaw it in the refrigerator. Once thawed, be ready for a possible change in texture. After freezing, it’s ideal for cooking or grating because the texture could get crumbly.
How to Tell If Parmesan Cheese Has Gone Bad?
The best way to tell if Parmesan cheese is bad is to use your senses to spot any obvious changes in its flavor, aroma, or appearance. The following are some signs that cheese has spoiled:
Check for Mold
Examine the cheese for any signs of mold growth. While mold may occasionally appear on the surface of aged parmesan cheese, it should only be in the form of tiny white or green flecks. Mold that is overly present or mold with strange coloring, such pink or black, point to spoiling.
Odor
Fresh Parmesan cheese has a nutty, savory aroma. It may have gone bad if it smells sour, rancid, or offensive.
Texture
The texture of parmesan cheese should be dry and solid. It has probably gone bad if it becomes overly soft, slimy, or crumbly. Check for any imperfections on the cheese’s surface using your fingers. A visual and tactile cue that the cheese is no longer safe to eat can be found in texture changes..
Taste
Try a little bit. When Parmesan cheese is spoiled, it will taste unpleasant or sour rather than its usual rich and nutty flavor. If anything tastes off, throw it away right away.
Learn More: Does Kimchi Go Bad?
Final Thoughts
Parmesan cheese does have a long shelf life when stored properly due to its low moisture and high salt content, It can still spoil, though, if it is exposed to moisture and air. store your cheese properly You can enjoy your cheese by following these guidelines.